What goes in each box on a bank slip
A bank slip is a paper form you fill out when you deposit money, withdraw cash, or transfer funds at a bank branch. The slip tells the teller what account the transaction belongs to and how much money is moving. Most slips have the same basic layout: your account number at the top, the date, the amount in numbers and words, and your signature.
The specific boxes vary slightly between banks, but the core information is always the same. Some banks print your account number on the slip already; others leave it blank for you to write in. If you are unsure which account number to use, ask the teller—they can point you to the right field or fill it in for you.
Filling out a slip correctly matters because the teller uses it to route your money to the right place. A mistake in the account number or amount can delay the transaction or send funds to the wrong account. The good news is that mistakes are usually caught before the money moves, and the teller can ask you to correct it on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Write your account number clearly in the field marked "Account Number" or "Acct #"—ask the teller if you are unsure which number to use.
- Write the date in the format your bank uses (usually MM/DD/YYYY), and match it to the day you are at the teller window.
- Enter the dollar amount in both numbers (in the box marked "Amount" or "$") and in words (in the line marked "Dollars"), and make sure both match.
- Sign the slip if it has a signature line—some banks require it, others do not, but the teller will tell you if it is needed.
- If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly with a single line and write the correction above it, or ask the teller for a fresh slip.
Account number and personal information
The account number field is usually at the top of the slip. If your bank has already printed your number on the form, you do not need to write it again. If the field is blank, write your account number exactly as it appears on your debit card, checkbook, or bank statement. Account numbers are typically 8 to 17 digits long, depending on your bank.
Some slips also ask for your name or initials. If there is a line for this, write it clearly. The teller already knows who you are from your ID, but the slip creates a paper record. Do not leave this field blank if it is printed on the form—fill it in even if the teller does not ask.
If you are depositing a check or making a transfer to another person's account, you may need to provide their account number instead of your own. The slip will usually say "Payee Account" or "Recipient Account" for this field. Ask the teller which account number goes where if the slip is not clear.
Date, amount in numbers, and amount in words
Write the date in the field marked "Date." Use the format your bank requests—most use MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 01/15/2024). Write the date of the day you are at the teller window, not a future date. If you are depositing a check, the slip date should match the day you hand it to the teller, not the date on the check itself.
The amount goes in two places: as numbers and as words. In the box marked "Amount" or "$," write the dollar amount in numbers with a decimal point (for example, $150.25). On the line marked "Dollars" or "Amount in Words," write out the same amount in words: "One hundred fifty and 25/100 dollars." Write the words clearly and use the fraction format (25/100) for cents rather than spelling out "twenty-five cents."
Double-check that the number and word amounts match exactly. If they do not match, the teller will catch it and ask you to correct it. If you are depositing multiple checks or cash, some banks ask you to list each item separately on the back of the slip or on a separate deposit ticket. Ask the teller if you need to break down the deposit.
Signature line and when it is required
Many bank slips have a signature line at the bottom. Whether you need to sign depends on your bank and the type of transaction. For deposits, some banks do not require a signature. For withdrawals, most banks do require one. If the slip has a signature line and the teller does not mention it, sign anyway—it does not hurt and protects your account.
Sign your name the way it appears on your bank account and your ID. Do not print your name unless the teller asks you to. If you are unable to sign (due to illness or disability), tell the teller before you hand over the slip. They can note this on the form or process the transaction differently.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
The most common mistake is writing the account number wrong. If you notice this before you hand the slip to the teller, cross out the number with a single line and write the correct one above it. Do not use white-out or scribble over it—a single line through the error is cleaner and easier for the teller to read.
Another frequent error is mismatching the amount in numbers and the amount in words. For example, writing "$100" in numbers but "Fifty dollars" in words. The teller will catch this and ask you to fix it. If you make multiple errors or the slip becomes messy, ask for a fresh slip rather than trying to correct everything.
If you write the wrong date, cross it out and write the correct date above it. The teller needs to see the date you actually came in, not a date from last week or next week. If you are unsure of the date, ask the teller—they will tell you what to write.
Deposit slips versus withdrawal slips
Some banks use the same slip for both deposits and withdrawals; others have separate forms. A deposit slip usually has a box for "Deposits" or "Credit," while a withdrawal slip has a box for "Withdrawal" or "Debit." If your bank uses separate slips, the teller will hand you the right one, or you can ask which form to use.
On a deposit slip, you list the money or checks you are putting into your account. On a withdrawal slip, you write the amount of cash you want to take out. The rest of the information—account number, date, amount in words—stays the same. If you are doing both a deposit and a withdrawal in one trip, you will need two slips.
What happens after you hand the slip to the teller
Once you give the slip to the teller, they will review it for accuracy. If there is an error, they will point it out and ask you to correct it or will correct it themselves with your permission. If everything looks right, they will process the transaction and may keep the slip as a record or hand it back to you as a receipt.
Keep any receipt the teller gives you. It shows the date, amount, and account number of the transaction. If you do not get a receipt, ask for one. You can also check your transaction online through your bank's website or app within a few hours to confirm the money moved correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not know my account number?
Ask the teller. They can look it up using your ID and debit card. You can also find your account number on your bank statement, checkbook, or by logging into your online banking account. Write it down for next time so you have it ready.
Can I use a pen that is not blue or black?
Use blue or black ink only. Banks scan and archive these slips, and other colors do not copy or scan well. If you only have a pencil or another color, ask the teller if they have a pen you can borrow.
What if I make a mistake and already handed the slip to the teller?
Tell the teller right away. They can void the slip and give you a new one, or they may be able to correct it themselves. Do not let the transaction process if you know something is wrong—it is much easier to fix before the money moves.
Do I need to fill out a slip if I use the ATM instead of the teller?
No. ATMs do not use paper slips. You enter your account information and amount directly into the machine, and it prints a receipt. Paper slips are only for transactions at the teller window.
What if the slip is already partially filled out?
Check that the pre-printed information is correct. If your account number or name is wrong, tell the teller before you fill in the rest. If it is correct, just fill in the blank fields (usually the date and amount).